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Report - Stavely's Bond - Dunedin - August 2014

Regular User

Stavely's Bond is one of Dunedin's finest historic warehouse buildings and not surprisingly is located in the city's old 'warehouse and business district'. Although it's not by any means the highest building in Dunedin, with its highest frontage being only 23 metres, it is a well known structure and was a fine addition to the street's overall appearance. Constructed and completion occurred sometime during 1879, as indicated on the stonework above each of the two entrances, at a cost of Â£9,000. Stavely's Bond became just one of the many developments to rise in that area during the late 1800's. The first occupants of the building were reported to have been the wine merchants, William Stavely and Co, who took up occupancy in 1980. Their name still remains as part of the pediment which is situated at the very top of the building (the flagpole).

From 1888 onwards, other additional companies also moved into the premises; some of these include a merchant and agent for the Phoenix Fire Office and Globe Marine Insurance Co, Rittenberg Waterproof Clothing Factory, and Fotheringham's Offices. By 1895, however, A Moritzon and Co, importers and shippers; of grain, produce, seed, general commission and insurance arbitrators and auctioneers, acquired the building. This new warehouse/factory was split into offices and salerooms, a dairy produce and fruit department, a storage area for heavy goods, a storage area for oats and agricultural seeds, and an area for a seed cleaning machine. Nonetheless, after only 26 years of trading A Moritzon and Co quit their trade and this allowed for the Co-operative Fruit Growers of Otago Ltd to take up occupancy. They continued to operate within the premises up until recent years. Since then the building briefly housed a ballet and dance school, until it was severely damaged by a fire in March 2008. Since then, the elements have also had a dramatic on the interior of the building. Nevertheless, as Stavely's Bond is now registered with the Historic Places Trust, and a Category II historic structure, work is currently underway to renovate and restore the building, so that it can be reused as an apartment complex.

It was late one Sunday evening, and the rain had finally subsided. Having been itching to get another explore done I seized the opportunity to check out some scaffolding I'd located a few days previously. As I arrived the street was fairly quiet, all except for the car wash opposite. On that night I gained some very valuable insider knowledge about the people of Dunedin, with the new-found understanding that the residents seem unduly concerned about washing their cars in the very early hours of the morning, whilst the temperature is touching just below zero. I waited for a gap in between washers, as the access point was in plain view; directly in front of their washing activities. As I waited, one would arrive while the other departed. It was a frustrating wait, but eventually my patience paid off and there was a gap. After that it was plain sailing. Up on the top I could see for miles, but the photographs don't really reveal that due to the high scaffolding and the awkward rooftop which made it difficult to set up the tripod. Still, that's one down - with many more to go!

1: Stavely's Bond Street View

2: Reaching the Top of the Scaffolding

3: Admiring the Stonework

4: Looking Towards Princess Street (One of the Main Roads Through Dunedin)